2026 Midterms: 6 in 10 Texas Voters Cited Inflation as a Severe Hardship
A new AP Voter Poll indicates that high costs and perceived presidential self-interest drove voters to Democrats in the November 3 elections.
By Dominic Foster ·
The AP Voter Poll surveyed midterm voters in all 50 states following the November 3 elections. The data shows that inflation and dissatisfaction with the White House drove the Republican losses in the House and Senate.
Voters identified high costs as the primary reason for their choices. In Texas, about 2 in 10 voters stated that inflation caused severe hardship for their families. Roughly three-quarters of that group supported Democrat James Talarico for the Senate. Another 6 in 10 Texas voters reported moderate hardship, and Talarico won a majority of those voters as well.
This pattern held across the country. Nationally, voters who said they were very concerned about everyday costs, such as groceries and gas, overwhelmingly backed Democratic candidates in their local House races. About two-thirds of all voters said that President Donald Trump’s policies made the economy worse. Within that group, about 8 in 10 supported the Democratic candidate.
Trump’s specific actions drew scrutiny. Voters blamed his tariffs, his war in Iran, and his unfulfilled promise from two years ago to lower prices. The poll also highlighted a focus on government corruption. More than half of voters nationally called corruption a crucial factor in their voting decision. That share was slightly higher than the number who cited the cost of living.
The president’s personal financial interests played a role in voter perception. During his second term, Trump solicited corporate donations to build a White House ballroom after demolishing the East Wing. About two-thirds of voters said Trump does not have the right priorities. The overwhelming majority of those voters supported Democratic House candidates.
Voters expressed a desire for stronger oversight by Congress. About 7 in 10 respondents said Congress was not doing enough to provide checks and balances on the presidency. This sentiment included about 4 in 10 Republicans.
Democrats won despite limited overall party approval. Only about half of voters had a favorable view of the Democratic Party. That was higher than the approximately 4 in 10 who viewed the Republican Party positively, but the margin was narrow. About 2 in 10 voters who supported Democratic candidates actually held a negative view of the party.
In Maine, voters prioritized change over experience. Most voters who said experience mattered most chose Republican incumbent Susan Collins. However, a larger share of voters cared about needed change and favored Democrat Troy Jackson.
Weak Republican nominees also hurt the party’s chances. After Senator Lindsey Graham died in July, Trump endorsed his sister, Darline Graham, for the open seat. About 6 in 10 voters in South Carolina said she lacked the experience to serve. In Texas, Trump backed Attorney General Ken Paxton over Senator John Cornyn. About two-thirds of Texas voters said Paxton lacked the character to be a senator.
Loyalty to the president became a liability in some races. In North Carolina, about 6 in 10 voters said Republican nominee Michael Whatley was too supportive of Trump. They elected former Governor Roy Cooper to the Senate instead.
